From: "Character" <Char@cters.cloned>
Subject: Introducing: SketchFonts (Preview)
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 2:30 AM

And a happy Valentine's day to all!

These fonts are from scans of the book, "Awesome Alphabets" by Mike 
Artell (1999). They're suitable for child-oriented scrapbook pages and 
similar informal usage.

In making computer fonts, I'm afraid I've done the exact opposite of 
what the author was trying to promote - kids using their originality to 
create hand-drawn alphabets.  I've modified some of the characters 
slightly for consistency.

Following is a review found on the web of the original book:

Awesome Alphabets written and illustrated by Mike Artell. Good Year, 
1999 (0-673-58647-2) $9.95 pb

I hope that computers haven't made this book already obsolete, because 
it's such a great idea. Dozens of pages show the unlimited potential of 
specialized alphabets: letters drawn to look like tools, like bones, 
even like clothes--a pair of pants and two socks make a wild capital K. 
Along with complete renderings of each alphabet, there are suggestions 
for creating new letters and other ideas about how words can be spiced 
up with imaginative drawing. Artell encourages readers to go beyond what 
he's done and design alphabets that fit their particular needs; kids who 
want to make their own books or design signs will find plenty of 
inspiration. And as the author points out, a handwritten font has what 
computer fonts completely lack: uniqueness. This is a terrific book to 
browse and a wonderful resource.

  - Character
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